Mitsuhide's POV

"Good morning. I see you're ready." I spoke as I shut the door behind me, taking a good look at the girl who was to be my pupil. "Barely. And.. good morning." Malachi spoke flatly, sitting in a formal position with her expression resembling a mask knitted from tension's steel threads.

Her hair was pushed to the side, almost like a pitiful attempt to resemble a warrior's, yet hers was much too short. But unlike a warrior, Malachi wore no armor, and her neck was left unguarded. Yet the look in her green eyes told me that she expected a battle, and a brutal one nonetheless. "Why, Malachi, if you continue to act so frightened you'll give me a nervous fit as well." I told her.

Rather than reacting in a way I expected, a small smile graced her lips. "That would be entertaining to see." She spoke, not bothering to hide how much she disliked the situation. However, it was understandable looking at this from her point of view. She clearly believed that I was only teaching her under the guise of keeping her in line, which was something she'd already proven would be difficult according to her previous run away attempts and unfiltered language.

But, the opposite was true. My true goal was to give her the tools necessary to survive. But I had no intention of telling her that.

"There will be pain and there will be fear as long as you serve under Lord Nobunaga. Fainting is fine- fleeing is not." "In order to spare you what would be a short and unhappy chase, I've decided to keep a close eye on you. Very close." "Though officially, I am to be your instructor. We mustn't bother Lord Nobunaga would fears of your potential betrayal." "Tactics, politics, equestrianism, self-defense, and firearms seems like a good start."

When I first laid eyes on Malachi, I knew there was no fear of Malachi running or turning traitor, despite how she would joke about it. She's good to a dangerous degree, though the danger would be herself. One can't help but wonder how on Earth she's lived for so long. But, if she is to remain as she is, she won't last. Only a fool would think capturing Nobunaga Oda's favor and being allowed at his side was a good thing, though.. It seemed that Malachi disliked the position.. Strange.

But, the position Malachi currently held was of great danger. Possibly the greatest danger Malachi had likely ever known. The real question is.. Why am I risking myself for her when I've already bared witness to so many trip and tumble towards their fates already?

"If Ranmaru was truly a coward, he would have kept running. He wouldn't have bothered to come back. He is clearly and utterly sorry. Isn't it worth it to hear him out? Does it really do the Oda forces any good to kill a useful ally? Shouldn't you be pleased that he's still breathing?"

"My lady, as a princess and a woman, you may not understand, but a man and warrior has responsibilities he has to-" A loud slap sound echoed through the corridor as her hand collided with the face of the vassal. "Do NOT speak to me in such a way! Class, gender, sex, race, health, age, whatever- Not a single thing like that matters when you're talking about a life!" She glared at the vassal, anger burning in her gaze. Beside her, I could hear the astonished voice of Hideyoshi whisper, "..Malachi? You really feel..?"

Suddenly, the silence was broken by the laughter coming from my lips.

Perhaps the reason was I couldn't remember the last time I had laughed so honestly and so hard. After witnessing the events in the hallway, I no longer wondered how it was that she came to rescue Lord Nobunaga from the fire. I would sometimes catch her staring at me from the corner of her eye, as if she believed no one noticed. And when she did, it was crystal clear in her green eyes what she'd be thinking. She would always seem to be suspicious of me, upset that she couldn't read me as well as she could the others. It was certainly delightful and humorous to witness.

"Are you finished with your extended internal conversation? If so, then take your seat." Without much of a fight, though she did glare at me, like usual, Malachi asked, "Is here fine?" "Yes. Today, we will start with politics, focusing on current affairs." Once Malachi took a seat, I presented her with the test I'd created. "It's important I understand how much you already know, so I've prepared a series of questions for you." I told her, then recalled her earlier annoyance when I'd asked her 'simple' questions on the battlefield, "You may find them too simple, but I beg your patience as we get this painful yet necessary step out of the way."

Surprisingly, Malachi muttered, "Why do I doubt that these questions are simple..?" Her voice was laced with worry. In reality, this test would tell me more than what she knew. It was also to help me understand where she was from and the political climate there. Her handwriting would also indicate her level of schooling, and what kind of family she'd come from. Many questions circled my mind..

Was she from a warrior family or the daughter of a merchant? How far removed from the capital was she? Was she religious? I didn't know a lot about this little one.. All I knew is that she must've had some form of education, as she claimed to speak more than one language and she seemed to be well educated on the morality of equality and the importance of life.

This is.. perplexing. I looked over Malachi's finished test, the answers far more than surprising. "Your.. knowledge astounds me." I muttered. "..I feel like I should be worried." she spoke, almost like she'd already known the result. I narrowed my eyes, looking up to meet her gaze, "You got none of them right." I gave her a flick to the ear. Her face flushed with anger as she covered her ears defensively. "Your handwriting is barely legible and your knowledge base is frightfully lacking." I told her, glancing down at the test once more before meeting her eyes. "For the record, 'Nobie' is not Nobunaga's childhood name. Though congratulations on making me want to cry with laughter."

She could write, though in a curious style. However, she was so lacking in facts that I can't even hazard a guess as to where she comes from! "Hey, at least I didn't leave it blank! Something is better than nothing. And in my defense, I'm not from this country in case you've forgotten. I can speak the language but writing and reading it is still a struggle.." She glared at me, clearly angry. Though, she always expressed anger when she was with me. I couldn't recall a single honest and genuine smile in my presence.

I smiled, "..With a childlike intellect. I suppose that's something, as children have room to grow." All possibility that she did this on purpose to hide her true intelligence left. Malachi exposes her thoughts as if that's safe to do, and she talks back as if a black-and-forth repartee was natural. She was singular. Both simple and complex at the same time. It was that fact that made her so intriguing to me.

An angry frown was shown on her face, I patted her head in an attempt to console her, but her frown only deepened. "I'm an adult, but I guess compared to your old ass I'm a child. But even if I don't know the answers now, I still have a chance to learn, don't I? I'm positive I'm capable of learning anything it is you have to teach me." She spoke, determination filled her voice. While I was curious as to what she had said in another language, I was much more intrigued by something else.. "..Anything, you say?"

After several hours, Malachi collapsed upon her desk with a sigh of exhaustion. "Malachi, we're not done yet." I told her in a stern tone. I expected a sharp retort back, but I didn't get that. Instead- "Can't I just.. retire to a monastery like.. What was his name? Ashikaga Yoshiaki.. something? You're asking me to cram two hundred years worth of history in a single sitting!" She exclaimed, her voice tired and muffled by the desk. "Knowing the key events of the Muromachi Shogunate is only the beginning of what I expect you to learn today." I spoke with authority and intent, more a less a threat in my tone. Malachi quickly caught on and sat up, tense. I smiled at her reaction. 'That's correct. Learn to fear me. If you don't know what I will do to you should you fail me, you will force yourself to learn- if only to spite me.'

Knowledge was all that would keep Malachi from a sudden and brutal death in this hotbed of conspiracy and betrayal. "Now, due to the Ashikaga's decline after two centuries of rule, powerful provincial warlords were able to take control. Their predecessors, the Kamakura, similarly lost power. History tends to repeat itself. Ignorance of history assures this."

Malachi suddenly stared up at the ceiling, a multitude of emotions playing across her face. "You know.. Maybe I was wrong when I said I could do this. I forgot autism is a thing.." A sigh left her lips, clearly exasperated. "Can I just.. step out for a minute? Take a breather?" "Why?" She suddenly met my gaze, intensity and hatred burning flames in her normally soft green eyes. "Because, if I sit here for any longer, one of two things will happen. Either, I will bang my head against this desk until I crack open my skull and bleed out. Or I will castrate you. Pretty sure neither of us want either of those things, so please?"

Rather than allowing her threats to affect me, I smiled. "We can't have that." I figured it would be better to give her mind something else to focus on. A squeak left her lips when I cupped my hands over her ears, her normally pale skin flushing red. Such a quick and rewarding response. I began to gently brush my thumb across her temple. "This should ensure you can't bash your head against any surface. Now you can relax without the fear of harming yourself." "Except I can't relax with you!" Her voice came out in a hiss, then it lowered to a whisper, "Plus.. There's always the second option. I hope you never planned on having children if you continue to test me."

My eyes widened slightly as I realized she may have been serious and was genuinely upset, "Dearest me...!" Malachi shoved me away from her and got up, rushing towards one of the corners in her room. Almost like.. A cornered little mouse. "Do you still fear that I'll gobble you up?" I smiled, yet she glared at me in response, "Only when you smile similarly to that of a snake right before it unhinges its jaw to eat its prey. If you want my trust, try not startling me first."

My smile didn't falter, "I'm afraid that's impossible." Her body twitched again as I approached her leisurely and knelt down, peering into her eyes. "Your reactions to my teasing are much too entertaining." Her eyes narrowed, as if to obstruct me from viewing the color. "You're a horrible tease." Yet, my smile continued to remain, even at her insults. "I consider myself a marvelous one." Not quite frightened, Malachi bit her bottom lip in frustration. Again, she reveals her heart to me. Though, she held a fighter's spirit. Something I myself did not possess. Honest and strong, Malachi was the complete opposite of me. Both in personality and physical appearance. Perhaps that was why, despite myself, I found it most pleasant to be with her. Though, there was the worry this would turn into a habit.

Suddenly, the door could be heard sliding open. Malachi and I both turned our attention to see who it was. The cheery voice of Ranmaru could be heard, with Mitsunari standing beside him. "Hellooo! How's the studying going, Lady Malachi?" "After hearing Lord Mitsuhide was to be your instructor, we came to observe." Suddenly, Malachi's dark expression turned brighter at the sight of those two. "Ranmaru! Mitsunari!"

The appearance of Ranmaru and Mitsunari had overshadowed all my efforts, just those two alone seemed like enough for Malachi to perk up and toss aside her exhaustion. Though, they had arrived right when I expected them. I knew quite well that if information of my new role reached the ears of Hideyoshi, he would most definitely do something to "counter my efforts" and provide support to Malachi. With this arrangement, I could easily maintain my role as the frightening and severe instructor while Malachi got a break.

"Uh, Lord Mitsuhide, what are you doing in the corner of Lady Malachi's room, cornering her?" Ranmaru asked, curiosity and concern sparking in his gray gaze. I smiled, meeting his gaze, "I was only teasing her a little." Malachi's eyes widened. Based on her expression, it was clear she was thinking, "THAT was a little? I don't think I want to know what a lot is.." She really is a great deal of fun.. I was tempted to tease her some more, but I needed to show some restraint. If I were to push too much, I'd risk hurting her. And I would prefer to not do that as it went against my goals. After all, how boring would things be if I scared her into fleeing just at the mere sight of me?

Malachi looked at Ranmaru and Mitsunari, her green eyes softening with appreciation. "Malachi, are you getting enough breaks in between your studies?" Mitsunari asked. Her expression then dropped back to its neutral state, "I was just in the middle of asking for a break." Mitsunari then smiled his usual gentle and angelic smile, "What wonderful timing. You see, I brought tea, thinking you might like some. I'll make-" Mitsunari didn't get to finish his sentence before Ranmaru interrupted excitedly, "...Me, me! I'll make it! Lord Mitsunari, you can help boil the water." "Thank you so much."

The door opened once more, with more exuberance this time. "Looks like someone got here before me." Malachi turned to the third intruder, curiosity sparking in her eyes, "Masamune? Did you need something?" Masamune smiled, "I just came by to bring you some snacks." He was also perfectly on schedule. Masamune presented Malachi with a basket of steamed bread buns, and she gave him a grateful smile. "Thank you, Masamune, I appreciate the gesture. Um.. Let's share them with everyone." They'd began to set up for tea and snacks when yet another one appeared.

"Here I thought you were supposed to be studying to be a good chatelaine. Instead you've dragged everyone into goofing off?" My eyes widened slightly, unnoticeable, I hadn't predicted Ieyasu's arrival. Perhaps I had underestimated Malachi's ability to draw people to her? Mitsunari smiled, clearly happy at the arrival of Ieyasu, "You brought something for Malachi too, Lord Ieyasu? Then you should join us!" Yet, the feeling didn't seem mutual, like always. "..Who said I brought anything?" "Then what's that in your hands, lad? Show us!" Masamune pushed.

"M-Masamune! G-get.. Let go!" Masamune grabbed whatever it was Ieyasu was holding. It was a jar of spicy pickles. Red hot, I assume. Ranmaru smiled, "Uh-huhh. So, you DID bring snacks for Lady Malachi. I bet those pickles would be good with the tea we brought." Ranmaru spoke, his tone having a slight teasing edge. Ieyasu avoided everyone's gazes, looking to the sidelines, "..I just made too much and thought If I was going to throw them out, I might as well give them to her."

"Huh. So he thinks of me like a trashcan." Though, Malachi's strange words went unheard as Mitsunari spoke, "I admire how you described it in a way that takes the onus off of Malachi for accepting them. How very courteous, Lord Ieyasu." "It's only the truth. Okay, enjoy your pickles-" "And now he's offering to leave so as not to overstay his welcome. Oh, I have so much to learn from Lord Ieyasu's manners." "Mitsunari, this is why everyone thinks you're naive."

"..If you're going to copy anything, copy the leaving part." On the topic of leaving, I came to the conclusion that they didn't need me for this moment. Once the conversation had turned to a lighter topic, I quietly slipped out of the room.